CDK Global, in partnership with Zipwhip, a cloud-based texting provider, has created the former’s Text Connect solution, allowing dealer employees to send and receive texts from customers.

Employees with the system can text their customers via any Internet-enabled device, using existing landlines and toll-free phone numbers.

"Nearly half of consumers say they prefer SMS communication with their dealership for sales and service," said Bob Karp, president of Automotive Retail North America at CDK Global. "It's clear that consumers want to communicate with business differently than ever before. Text Connect enables dealerships to turn existing phone lines into communication tools that reach customers in their preferred method."

CDK says its research found that a majority of dealership employees are using their own personal cell phones to communicate with customers.

The company highlighted that Text Connect can also be used to deliver service-related notifications to customers, such as service appointment reminders, vehicle status updates while it is being serviced and parts delivery notifications, among many other options. The system also serves as a detailed, unified source of record keeping for communication with consumers, compared to messages being spread across many different systems and employees’ various personal devices.

Want to learn more? Check out the Text Connect site here.